Celeb Savant

Sonic Keys and Aria Cook - two Australian singers and songwriters - join us on this episode of Celeb Savant. We hear their individual journeys in the music industry, what they have each put into place to alleviate their self-critical brains, and how they came to collaborate on the song, 'The Long Way Home' Instagram - @ariacook_music @sonic_keys_music Facebook - @Aria-Cook-Music @Sonickeysmusic TikTok - @ariacookmusic @sonickeysmusic YouTube - @AriaCookMusic

Stacy Widelitz - an American Emmy-nominated composer, producer, and musician - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Stacy tells us about his multi-decade award- nominated journey in the entertainment industry (which includes writing scores for a number of movies and television shows), the story of how he became friends with Patrick Swayze, which led to them collaborating on 'She's Like The Wind', and his latest journey as a photographer. Website - www.stacywidelitz.com Instagram - @stacywidelitz Facebook - @swidelitz Twitter - @stacywidelitz

Boris Way - a French DJ, composer, producer, and NRJ Music Award nominee - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Boris explains how he discovered dance music on a family trip to Ibiza, how the Covid lockdown allowed him to reset his artistic direction (leading to 3 gold singles), and how he creates music. Instagram - @borisway Facebook - @boriswayofficial Twitter - @borisway TikTok - @borisway YouTube - @BorisWayOfficial

Ely Oaks - an Austrian-born, German-based DJ and Producer - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Ely shares how he was initially kicked out of bands because he was so terrible, and how having a dad and step-parents creating electronic music gave him the spark to pursue it himself… and he explains why he is happy that the electronic music world is very collaborative. Instagram - @elyoaks Facebook - @elyoaks TikTok - @elyoaks YouTube - @elyoaks

Steve Postell - an American singer, songwriter, composer, and producer - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Steve tells us how he is keeping the legacy of the late David Crosby alive, the various iterations of Steve's career in the entertainment industry, and about his latest album, Walking Through These Blues. Website - www.stevepostell.com Instagram - @postellsteve Facebook - @stevepostell1 YouTube - @stevepostell

Billy Raffoul - a Canadian singer, songwriter, and producer - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Billy tells us how he fell into the industry through his dad Jody (who is also a professional musician), why frequency is important when creating music, and about his upcoming tour of South Africa. Website - www.billyraffoul.com Instagram - @billyraffoul Facebook - @billyraffoul Twitter - @billyraffoul TikTok - @billyraffoul YouTube - @BillyRaffoul_Official

Luna - a Polish born, London-based singer and songwriter - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Luna explains her experience of having synesthesia, how she started out singing classical opera music, and then decided to create modern pop and electronic music … and why representing Poland at the 2024 Eurovision contest was an intense experience. Website - www.musicofluna.com Instagram - @musicofluna Facebook - @musicofluna TikTok - @musicofluna YouTube - @Luna.Official

Maddox Jones - a British singer and songwriter - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Maddox explains how he was raised in a Christian commune with no television or secular music, so he started playing guitar at the age of 7 to keep himself occupied. We also delve into his journey as the lead singer of the alt-rock band, The Departure, and his solo career. Instagram - @itsmaddoxjones Facebook - @itsmaddoxjones Twitter - @itsmaddoxjones TikTok - @itsmaddoxjones YouTube - @MaddoxJones

Timothy Moloi - a South African SAMA nominated artist and performer - joins us live in studio on this episode of Celeb Savant. Timothy explains how studying a degree in musical theatre in Ohio helped him overcome his shyness and made him realise that he wanted to pursue a path in the entertainment industry. He also explains the balance of being in the spotlight and having a 'normal' life. He also tells us about the upcoming show, Swingin' Las Vegas - which will be on stage at the Teatro, Montecasino. This episode of Celeb Savant was recorded live in studio at Solid Gold Podcasts, Johannesburg, South Africa. Instagram - @timothymoloi @johannesburg_big_band Facebook - @TimothyMoloiOfficial @Johannesburgbigband Twitter - @timothymoloi TikTok - @timothymoloi YouTube - @Timothy_Moloi

Tom Gregory - a British singer and songwriter who has 1.8 million monthly listeners on Spotify - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Tom explains that after quitting university after one week because he hated it, forced him to realise that he wanted to pursue music professionally. Plus - what is surprising about becoming a professional musician, and how he stays motivated by expanding the goalposts. Instagram - @tomgregory Facebook - @tomgregoryofficial Twitter - @tgofficialmusic TikTok - @tomgregorymusic YouTube - @TomGregoryMusic

Tresor - a Congolese-born and South African-based singer, songwriter, music producer, entrepreneur, and SAMA winner - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Tresor shares how his parents came around to support him on his musical journey, what kept him motivated to keep going until he achieved success, and more about his creative process... which includes writing songs in English, French and Swahili. Website - www.tresorofficial.com Instagram - @tresorofficial Facebook - @tresor.official1 Twitter - @tresorofficial TiktTok - @tresorofficial_ YouTube - @tresorofficial

Llewellyn Cordier - a South African actor and director - joins us live in the studio on this episode of Celeb Savant. After interviewing Llewellyn twice on the red carpet, it was time to bring him into the studio and hear his story, which includes being told for many years that he would not succeed in the industry, eventually ignoring the negative feedback and pursuing a successful career. We also hear why he loves acting and about his latest project, Kings of Joburg season 3. This episode of Celeb Savant was recorded live in studio at Solid Gold Podcasts, Johannesburg, South Africa. Instagram - @superman_lrc Facebook - @llewellyn.superman Twitter - @llewellyncordie

Plum is a South African genre-blending band, represented by Kevin Leicher as the guest on this episode of Celeb Savant. Kevin explains how the band chose their name, why they originally broke up, what they did in between, and how they got back together after a 17-year hiatus. Instagram - @plum_mulp Facebook - @plum_mulp

Marcella Detroit - an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Marcella tells us about her multi-decade journey in the music industry, which includes collaborating with Bob Seger, Eric Clapton, Leon Russell, amongst others, the challenge of shaking the image of being a background singer, the story behind Shakespears Sister and more. Website - www.marcelladetroit.com Instagram - @marcelladetroit Facebook - @marcelladetroitofficial TikTok - @marcelladetroit YouTube - @marcelladetroit

Pete Murray - an Australian multi-platinum selling singer and songwriter - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Pete explains how a housemate triggered the idea of him learning to play guitar at the age of 21, how interactions and situations over time propelled him on his journey to success, and how he defied ageism in the industry by releasing his first commercially successful album at the age of 32. Website - www.petemurray.com Instagram - @petemurraymusic Facebook - @petemurray Twitter - @PeteMurrayMusic TikTok - @petemurrayofficial YouTube - @petemurray

Lauren Ray - a British artist, songwriter and producer - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Lauren explains how she got distracted from creating music while studying her degree in Anthropology, how she funded the launch of her music career from a bank loan... and we also dive into the concept of why people have a fear of success. Website - www.laurenraymusic.com Instagram - @laurenrayofficial Facebook - @laurenraymusic TikTok - @laurenrayofficial YouTube - @laurenraymusic

Kuhle Adams - a SAFTA-nominated television host - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Having previously met and interviewed Kuhle on the red carpet at The Feather Awards, she tells us she knew from matric that her path would be as a television presenter, what surprised her about the profession when she became a professional presenter, and the importance of collaboration. Instagram - @kuhleadams Facebook - @RealKuhleAdam Twitter - @KuhleAdams TikTok - @KuhleAdams

Margaret Gardiner - a South African-born, American-based model, television personality, journalist, and author - joins us live in studio on this episode of Celeb Savant. Margaret tells us about her multi-decade journey in the industry, which includes being the first South African to win Miss Universe in 1978, her work as a fashion editor for the Golden Globes in Los Angeles and her new book, Damaged Beauty: Joey Superstar. This episode of Celeb Savant was recorded live in studio at Solid Gold Podcasts, Johannesburg, South Africa. Website - www.margaretgardiner.com Facebook - @margaretgardinerpublicfigure Instagram - @margaret_gardiner Twitter - @MargaretGGG TikTok - @margaretgardineruniverse YouTube - @MargaretGardinerUniverse

Kev Sherry - a Scottish songwriter, indie singer, and musician - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Kev explains how having a cousin who was part of the Talking Heads motivated him to choose to become a professional musician. We also discuss the structure and creativity of a song, and the difference between being a soloist and being part of the bands Attic Lights and Disco Mary. Website - www.kevsherry.com Instagram - @kevsherrystuff Facebook - @kev.sherry.7 Twitter - @KevSherryStuff TikTok - @kev.sherry YouTube - @kevsherrystuff

Dench, an up-and-coming South African DJ, joins us on Celeb Savant. Dench explains the meaning behind his stage name. He explains how he always went to his first love of music while growing up, which ultimately led him to pursue it professionally... and what he did to achieve his goal. Instagram - @dench______ TikTok - @dench______

Casey McQuillen - an American-born, London-based singer and songwriter - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant… from a tour bus in Budapest! In 2025, she will be performing to a quarter of a million people, supporting Loreen and Anastacia on their tours. Casey explains how and why she is comfortable with failure, and about her anti-bullying concert series - the 'You Matter' tour that was featured on 'The Kelly Clarkson Show'. Website - www.listentocasey.com Instagram - @listentocasey Facebook - @ListenToCasey Twitter - @listentocasey_ TikTok - @listentocasey YouTube - @ListenToCasey

J.Brown - an American singer, songwriter and R&B Billboard chart topper - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. J explains how being successful at a talent show in college gave him the motivation to pursue a solo career in the industry, why he decided to return to the music world after a 10-year break and about his latest album release, Just a Matter of Time. Website - www.jbrownmusiconly.com Instagram - @jbrownmusiconly Twitter - @jbrownmusiconly TikTok - @jbrownmusic313 YouTube - @MusicByJBrown

Desiré Gardner - a South African actress, writer, and SAFTA and Silwerskerm award winner - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Desiré explains how she loves to escape to another world through her imagination, discusses her award-winning journey in film and television, which includes 7de Laan and Binnelanders… and her latest project which she has written, and can be seen on Showmax - Reënboogrant. Instagram - @desire_manthey_gardner Facebook - @desire.m.gardner TikTok - @desir.gardner

Schalk Bezuidenhout - a South African stand-up comedian, actor, and Comics Choice Awards winner - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. He explains how his initial goal was to become an actor, that he discovered stand-up at a later stage, how experience has allowed him to become an award-winning performer… and he talks about his latest project - the Showmax original film, ‘Soos Pynappel Op Pizza'. Website - www.schalkbezuidenhout.com Instagram - @schalkiebez Facebook - @schalk.bezuidenhout.101 Twitter - @schalkiebez TikTok - @schalkbezuidenhout YouTube - @schalkiebez

Conrad Sewell - an Australian singer, songwriter, and ARIA Award winner - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Conrad explains his journey in the music industry, which includes having his first band signed to a record label at the age of 17, the difference between being in a band to being a solo artist and what he enjoys about performing live. Website - www.conradofficial.com Instagram - @conradofficial Facebook - @ConradOfficial Twitter - @ConradOfficial TikTok - @ConradOfficial YouTube - @ConradOfficial

Whigfield - a Danish singer, songwriter and producer - joins us from Italy on this episode of Celeb Savant. Whigfield explains why she chose her stage name, the story behind how she became a Guinness Book record holder as the first artist to go straight to number 1 on the UK singles chart with a debut single, and why she says 'listening to music on Spotify is like having sex without the orgasm'. Website - www.whigfield.com Instagram - @whigfield Facebook - @realwhigfield Twitter - @realwhigfield TikTok - @realwhigfield YouTube - @WhigfieldOfficial

Gino Vannelli - a Canadian singer, songwriter, author, 7x Juno Award winner, and 4× Grammy Award nominee - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Gino tells us what keeps him motivated to create music and perform live, and what inspires his creativity. We also discuss various aspects of the entertainment industry, which he has successfully been part of for multiple decades. Website - www.ginov.com Instagram - @officialginovannelli Facebook - @GinoVannelliOfficial Twitter - @GinoVOfficial YouTube - @GinoVannelliVEVO

Darren Kiely - Irish top 40 chart singer and songwriter - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Darren explains how he balances the flow of creativity and the structure of strategy, what it's like to now have a team behind his career, and his upcoming tour to South Africa. Website - www.darrenkiely.com Instagram - @darrenkielymusic Facebook - @darrenkielymusic Twitter - @TheDarrenKiely TikTok - @darrenkiely YouTube - @darrenkielyy

Arwen Lewis - an American singer and songwriter - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Arwen is the next generation of success - her grandmother is Oscar winner Loretta Young, and her father, Peter Lewis, is a founding member of Moby Grape. Arwen tells us about how having family in the industry may have helped her, we discuss the current music industry landscape and more. Website - www.arwenlewismusic.com Instagram - @arwenlewis Facebook - @ArwenLewisMusic Twitter - @lewis_arwen YouTube - @arwenlewis8522

SOMA - an Australian singer and songwriter joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. We hear how SOMA started playing the piano at the age of 5... how at the age of 16, she bought a native instruments machine, which motivated her to pursue music professionally, and about her latest mixtape release - Cobra. Instagram - @somasutton Facebook - @somasuttonmusic TikTok - @somasutton YouTube - @soma.music.

Jamie Fine - a Canadian singer, songwriter, and 5-times Juno Award nominee - joins us for a second time on Celeb Savant. Jamie catches us up on what has been happening in her world since we last spoke, which includes why she became and what it means to be an independent artist, unpacks the world of social media, and her upcoming South African tour. Website - www.jamiefinemusic.com Instagram - @jamiefinemusic Facebook - @jamiefinemusic Twitter - @jamiefinemusic TikTok - @jamiefinemusic YouTube - @JamieFine

Goo Goo Dolls - John Rzeznik from The Grammy Award-nominated American punk band - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. With 15 million records sold worldwide, John tells how they chose the band's name, why they keep creating music after all these decades, and about their upcoming South African tour. Website - www.googoodolls.com Instagram - @googoodollsofficial Facebook - @googoodolls Twitter - @googoodolls TikTok - @googoodollsofficial YouTube - @thegoogoodolls

Snowing Down South - Gust Greyvenstein and Lihan Puren from the South African alternative rock band - join us on this episode of Celeb Savant. We hear how the band chose their name, Gust and Lihan's individual, and the band's journeys, why they went on hiatus, and what's coming up next. Instagram - @snowingdownsouth_officia Facebook - @snowingdownsouth YouTube - @snowingdownsouth

Wouter Kellerman - a South African flautist, producer, composer, 3×Grammy and 9xSAMAs awards winner - joins us live in studio on this episode of Celeb Savant. Wouter explains how he started his professional career in engineering and how, after 20 years at the age of 44, he went into music full-time... successfully creating award-winning World, Roots, and New Age Music. This episode was recorded before the 2025 Grammy Awards, at which he won his 3rd award for his collaborative album, Triveni. This episode was recorded live in studio at Solid Gold Podcasts, Johannesburg, South Africa. Website - www.wouterkellerman.org Instagram - @wouterkellerman Facebook - @wouterkellermanmusic Twitter - @wouterkellerman TikTok - @wouterkellerman YouTube - @wkellerman

Melanie MacLaren - an up-and-coming American singer and songwriter - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Melanie explains why she only pursued music professionally at a later stage in her life, how the COVID lockdown helped her focus and create a vision for her career, and why she loves performing live. Website - www.melaniemaclaren.com Instagram - @melaniemaclaren Facebook - @melaniemaclarenmusic TikTok - @melaniemaclaren YouTube - @melaniemaclaren

Stuart Brown - a South African Fleur Du Cap winning performer - joins us live in studio on this episode of Celeb Savant. Stuart tells us about his journey of pursuing performance as a career, we discuss some of the technical terms in performing, and his current role as Evan in the production of Dear Evan Hansen. This episode of Celeb Savant was recorded live in studio at Solid Gold Podcasts, Johannesburg, South Africa. Website - www.hownowbrowncow..co.za www.showtime.co.za Instagram - @stuart.nicholas.brown @showtime_sa @hownowbrowncow_productions Facebook - @stuartbrown @showtimemanagementsa @hownowbrowncowproductions Twitter - @showtime_sa TikTok - @stuiebrowncow @hnbcproductions

Livvy Lauren - a British singer and songwriter - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Livvy explains how following a creative path helps focus her ADHD and high energy, the difference between singing classical, pop, and musical theatre... and her creative process. Instagram - @livvylauren Facebook - @livvy.acock Twitter - @LivvyLauren TikTok - @livvylaurenx

Jesse Clegg - a 5 x South African Award nominee singer, songwriter, and producer - joins us live in the studio on this episode of Celeb Savant. Jesse explains how he was a ‘passenger' growing up in the music world, as the son of the late Johnny Clegg, how he transitioned to become a professional artist, and how his creative process has changed over time. This episode of Celeb Savant was recorded live in studio at Solid Gold Podcasts, Johannesburg, South Africa. Website - www.jesseclegg.com Instagram - @jesseclegg Facebook - @JesseCleggMusic Twitter - @Jesse_Clegg TikTok - @jessecleggmusic YouTube - @JesseCleggOfficial

Tricia Duffy - a British singer-songwriter, podcaster, and media consultant - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Tricia discusses her multi-faceted career in the industry - which includes her music project ‘Little Lore', her podcast 'In Ten Years Time', and the reasons for taking different paths based on life experiences. We also discuss imposter syndrome, comfort zones and more. Website - www.littlelore.uk www.intenyearstime.com Instagram - @littleloremusic @intenyearstimeofficial Facebook - @littleloremusic @intenyearstimeofficial Twitter - @littleloremusic @intenyearstime TikTok - @littleloremusic

Nick Keynes - a British music and creative entrepreneur, and the co-founder of Tileyard - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Nick tells us how his career started as the bassist for the '90s pop band Ultra, we discuss all the behind-the-scenes aspects of the industry - including the Tileyard journey - the highs and lows, and more. Website - www.tileyard.co.uk Instagram - @tileyardlondon Facebook - @tileyardlondon Twitter - @tileyardlondon TikTok - @tileyardlondon YouTube - @tileyardlondon

The Nomadic - an Australian singer and songwriter - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. We hear what inspired his stage name, about his journey of working with the United Nations in numerous countries, to focusing his attention on his music career. Website - www,wearethenomadic.com Instagram - @thenomadicband Facebook - @thenomadicband Twitter - @thenomadicband TikTok - @wearethenomadic YouTube - @TheNomadic

Andry - a Greek metal singer, songwriter, and The Voice of Greece runner-up - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Andry explains how seeing the Power Rangers as a child ignited her passion to become a performer, the idea of being a strong woman in the industry, and why performing live can be challenging. Website - www.miss-andry.com Instagram - @andrybluesmetalqueen Facebook - @adriana.lagiou YouTube - @andrybluesmetalqueen

Chris Jaftha - a South African actor, singer, model, dancer, presenter and MC - joins us live in studio on this episode of Celeb Savant. Chris takes us through his multi-decade career, starting with his first professional job in the production 'African Footprint', diving into various aspects of the industry… and how hard work and motivation from his parents helped him to succeed. This episode of Celeb Savant was recorded live in studio at Solid Gold Podcasts, Johannesburg, South Africa. Website - www.christopherjaftha.com Instagram - @chrisjaftha Facebook - @christopher-jaftha Twitter - @chrisjaftha TikTok - @christjaftha

Wynona Bleach - Jonny Woods and James Foy from the Irish alternative rock band - join us on this episode of Celeb Savant. The guys explain how they chose their band name, their individual journeys of joining the band, and understanding the reality of touring. Website - www.wynonableach.com Instagram - @wynonableach Facebook - @wynonableach Twitter - @wynonableach TikTok - @wynonableach YouTube - @wynonableach

DJ Sammy - a Spanish DJ and producer who has sold more than 20 million records - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. We hear about Sammy's more than two decades in the business, how being passionate about art helped him succeed in the music industry, and what motivates him to keep creating music and performing. Instagram - @djsammyofficial Facebook - @djsammyofficial TikTok - @djsammyofficial1 YouTube - @djsammyofficial

Free Machine - Glenn Bradford from South African grunge rock band joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Glenn explains his journey in the entertainment industry, how the band came together, and how they recorded their debut EP, Dead Echoes. Instagram - @freemachine.band Facebook - @thefreemachineband

Suzan Mutesi - a Ugandan-born and Australian-based award-winning actress, author, producer, model, and style icon - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Suzan explains that she was first motivated to enter the creative industry upon moving to Australia… plus we hear about the different aspects of her successful career which includes acting, fashion and being an author - and her latest book, ‘Love Beyond 30s' Instagram - @suzan_mutesi Facebook - @suzanselita.banks Twitter - @SuzanMutesii TikTok - @suzan_mutesi

Bully Hay - an Australian rock and acoustic singer and songwriter - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. We hear how Bully chose his stage name, how he met his musical hero - Jeff Martin from The Tea Party - who motivated Bully to pursue music professionally and about his debut album, Black Dogs and Songbirds. Website - www.bullyhay.com Instagram - @bullyhay Facebook - @bullyhay TikTok - @bullyhay YouTube - @bullyhay

Selim Kagee - a South African artist and performer - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Selim explains how tapping into creativity helped him express himself, how vocal teacher Jean Stuart taught him how to sing, and he talks about his upcoming Johannesburg show, Il Mondo. Website - www.selimkagee.com Instagram - @selimkagee Facebook - @selimkagee Twitter - @Selimkagee TikTok - @SelimKagee YouTube - @SelimKagee

Kēvens - an American-based singer and songwriter - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Kēvens explains why he invested in himself as a brand, his journey in the music industry, and about his latest album, Call To Balance. Website - www.kevens.com Instagram - @kevens Facebook - @kevens Twitter - @kevens TikTok - @kevens YouTube - @kevens

Lioness - a Namibian rapper, songwriter, medical doctor, and Double Shining Star Awards winner - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. We hear where her stage name comes from, how she went professional 7 years ago after her mother's passing, and how she balances being an artist and a doctor. Instagram - @lionessnam Facebook - @lionessnam Twitter - @lionessnam TikTok - @lioness_nam YouTube - @LionessNam